The Center for Science in the Public Interest (a.k.a. the notorious CSPI) has graded the American public on dietary trends from 1970 to 2010, and we're not exactly excelling. Here are some highlights (lowlights?), and ideas for improvement!

Dairy: C-. Cheese is yummy, but we're eating WAY too much of it -- the average person eats 23 pounds a year! Cut back, and keep it light. Click for picks that'll get you on the dean's list.... assuming the dean enjoys a good wedge of The Laughing Cow.

Meat, Poultry & Seafood: B. The good news is that red-meat consumption is down and chicken chewin' is up. But we're STILL not eating a whole lot of fish. Worry not... Here's a trio of fish dishes to entice you!

Sweeteners: D+. Consumption of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup remains through the roof, a big chunk of which comes from soda and sugary drinks. If you need some sugar-free alternatives but aren't into artificial sweeteners, check out all the stevia-sweetened options on shelves.

Overall, we're consuming about 20 percent more calories per day than we did in 1970... an average of 2,535 calories. Click here for a guide to all things calorie related, and click here to download the CSPI's full report.

Honor Roll? Not Exactly...

HG Is Coming to Albany, NY!

The Buzz…

ATTENTION, ALBANY, NY! A week from Friday (10/18), there'll be a Hungry Girl book signing in your 'hood (on the University at Albany SUNY campus)! Lisa will be answering Qs, giving out prizes and, of course, signing books. Woohoo! Click for the full scoop... ***Excuse us while we take a lap around the office, raising the roof... The newest flavor of Extra Dessert Delights Sugarfree Gum is Raspberry Vanilla Cupcake. Only 5 calories, and it tastes like a cupcake, people! ***In further amazing news, McDonald's will soon be offering side salads, fruit, and vegetables as value-meal sides (instead of just fries). FINALLY! This change comes along with several other health-oriented developments made in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Thanks, Mickey D's! ***If you're looking to meet a special someone who shares your foodie interests, now's a great time to scope out the newly redesigned SamePlate.com! BTW, "CookingCaveman" is an HG pal, and one we'd totally set up with a friend. (Any takers?) ***Sure, you like to have a glass of wine now and then, but are you pouring more than a single serving (and taking in the extra calories that come with it)? A new study has found that there are ways to outsmart the over-pouring habit.The research suggests using narrower glasses and not holding the glass in your hand while you pour. Cheers! ***What can you expect to see on menus in the coming year? At this year's Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference, several HG favorites were revealed as on-trend ingredients. YAY! Look for cruciferous veggies (like Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli), protein superfoods (like Greek yogurt and quinoa), and sriracha hot chili sauce. And that's all we've got. HG out!

A guilt-free steak swap, peanut-butter snack bars, healthier fast food, and more?! Sounds like a good day to click "Send to a Friend!"

CHEW ON THIS:

Get happy for National Frappe Day, which is today, October 7th. Caramel Apple Frappe, we're coming for you!

We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.

*The PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe, or its manufacturer or developer by Weight Watchers International, Inc., the owner of the PointsPlus® registered trademark and SmartPoints® trademark.

SmartPoints® value not what you expected?Click here for more info on how the values are calculated, plus more FAQs about PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® values on our website.